Immigration Request Template for Switzerland

An Immigration Request is a formal application you submit to Swiss authorities when seeking permission to live or work in Switzerland. It's the starting point for getting permits like the B permit (residence), L permit (short-term), or G permit (cross-border commuter).

This process begins at your local cantonal migration office, where officials review your eligibility based on factors like employment status, family ties, or study plans. Each canton handles these requests differently, following both federal immigration law and local regulations. The request typically includes proof of employment, housing arrangements, and financial stability - key requirements under Swiss immigration policy.

File an Immigration Request when planning to move to Switzerland for work, study, or family reasons. This applies if you're a non-EU/EFTA citizen seeking any stay longer than 90 days, or an EU/EFTA citizen planning to stay beyond 3 months. Submit it before entering Switzerland or immediately after arrival.

Time your Immigration Request carefully - processing can take 8-12 weeks for non-EU citizens. Companies hiring foreign workers need to file these requests before their employees arrive. Key moments include accepting a job offer, enrolling in Swiss education, or joining family members who already live here. Remember that some cantons require in-person submission at their migration office.

• Work Permit Request: For employment-based immigration, requires proof of job offer, qualifications, and employer sponsorship
• Family Reunification Request: Used when joining family members in Switzerland, needs proof of relationship and financial means
• Student Immigration Request: For academic pursuits, requires acceptance letter from Swiss institution and proof of sufficient funds
• Permanent Residence Request: After living in Switzerland with B permit, typically for 5-10 years depending on nationality
• Cross-border Commuter Request: For G permits, when living in neighboring countries but working in Switzerland

• Foreign Nationals: The primary applicants who submit Immigration Requests when seeking to live, work, or study in Switzerland
• Swiss Employers: Companies that sponsor work permits and submit Immigration Requests on behalf of foreign employees
• Cantonal Migration Offices: Local authorities who process and evaluate Immigration Requests based on regional quotas and requirements
• Immigration Lawyers: Legal professionals who assist in preparing and submitting complex Immigration Requests
• Educational Institutions: Universities and schools that support student visa applications with acceptance letters and documentation

• Personal Documentation: Gather valid passport, birth certificate, and marriage certificate if applicable - all with certified translations
• Financial Proof: Prepare bank statements, employment contract, or scholarship confirmation showing sufficient means of support
• Housing Evidence: Secure rental agreement or property ownership documents for your Swiss residence
• Purpose Verification: Collect employment contract, university acceptance letter, or family ties documentation
• Health Coverage: Obtain Swiss health insurance confirmation or proof of existing coverage recognition
• Form Completion: Fill out canton-specific immigration forms accurately, including all required personal and professional details

• Personal Information: Full legal name, date of birth, nationality, current address, and Swiss contact details
• Purpose Declaration: Clear statement of immigration purpose (work, study, family reunification) with supporting evidence
• Duration Details: Intended length of stay and specific dates of arrival/departure if applicable
• Financial Declaration: Statement of financial resources and proof of sufficient means to support stay
• Previous History: Declaration of prior visits or residency in Switzerland and criminal record status
• Authorization Section: Signed consent for authorities to process personal data under Swiss privacy laws

The Immigration Request is often confused with the Immigration Form, but they serve distinct purposes in the Swiss immigration process. While both documents are part of the immigration journey, they function differently and are used at different stages.

• Purpose and Timing: An Immigration Request initiates the immigration process, stating your intention to migrate and establishing the legal basis for your stay. The Immigration Form, however, is a standardized document used to collect specific details after your request has been preliminarily approved.
• Level of Detail: Immigration Requests contain broader justifications and supporting documentation for your intended stay. Immigration Forms focus on collecting standardized biographical and administrative data.
• Processing Authority: Immigration Requests typically go through cantonal migration offices for initial review. Immigration Forms are processed by federal authorities for final documentation and permit issuance.
• Legal Weight: The Request serves as a formal application with legal implications, while the Form is primarily an administrative tool for data collection.